The detector is so arranged to prevent abnormal harmonic frequencies from being developed while the separator is passing through its critical speed range.

The detector mechanism consists of an armature suspended on a flexure pivot and restrained from motion by a permanent magnet acting through a small air gap.

Vibration sensors are not used with centrifuges currently installed on diesel vessels due to excessive vibrations developed by the main propulsion units.

The vibration switch is sensitive to vibration in a direction horizontal to its mounting base and is normally installed low on the separator where movement is magnified.